ASTM E1380-90(2021)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Color Coding of Laboratory Pipets with Multiple Graduations, 0.1 mL and Larger, But Excluding Disposable Prothrombin and Disposable Micropipets
Standard Specification for Color Coding of Laboratory Pipets with Multiple Graduations, 0.1 mL and Larger, But Excluding Disposable Prothrombin and Disposable Micropipets
ABSTRACT
This specification establishes a color-coding system for indicating capacity and identifying subdivisions in disposable glass and plastic laboratory pipets with multiple graduations, but excluding disposable prothrombin and disposable micropipets. This specification intends to ensure that when color coding is utilized, all manufacturers will be encouraged to use the same color for nominal value identification. Besides the colors to be used, requirements for durability, style, and location are also presented.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification provides a system for color coding disposable pipets (glass and plastic) with multiple graduations. The color will indicate capacity and subdivisions for identification purposes.
1.2 The intent of this specification is to ensure that when color coding is utilized, all manufacturers will be encouraged to use the same color for nominal value identification.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Dec-2020
- Technical Committee
- E41 - Laboratory Apparatus
- Drafting Committee
- E41.01 - Laboratory Ware and Supplies
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2008
- Effective Date
- 31-Oct-1988
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-1988
Overview
ASTM E1380-90(2021): Standard Specification for Color Coding of Laboratory Pipets with Multiple Graduations, 0.1 mL and Larger, but Excluding Disposable Prothrombin and Disposable Micropipets establishes a consistent color-coding system for glass and plastic disposable laboratory pipets that feature multiple graduation marks. By standardizing colors used to indicate pipet capacity and subdivisions, this ASTM standard helps ensure clear, reliable, and efficient identification of pipet types, supporting safety, accuracy, and interoperability in laboratory settings. ASTM E1380-90(2021) does not apply to disposable prothrombin pipets or disposable micropipets.
Key Topics
Color Coding System:
Defines specific colors to represent nominal capacities and subdivisions on laboratory pipets. The standard helps prevent confusion and errors in liquid measurement by ensuring pipets of the same capacity use consistent color marks across manufacturers.Applicable Pipets:
Pertains to disposable glass and plastic pipets with multiple graduation marks, starting from volumes of 0.1 mL and larger.Durability and Placement:
Sets requirements for the durability, style, and location of the color coding. For example:- Color bands should be near the top end of the pipet.
- Bands can be single (6-10 mm wide) or double (3-5 mm wide with a 2-3 mm clear space between).
- Color may be applied via bands, colored plugging material, permanent material ingredients, or colored markings.
- At least 40% of the pipet circumference should be covered if bands are used, but bands may be broken segments.
Packaging Consistency:
If color coding is present on packaging graphics, it must match that used on the pipet itself.Measurement Units:
All capacities and subdivisions are specified in SI units only.
Applications
ASTM E1380-90(2021)’s color coding system is widely used in:
- Clinical laboratories for fast, accurate selection of pipets for blood, serum, and other specimen handling.
- Research and academic laboratories, supporting error reduction in liquid handling and process standardization.
- Industrial and quality control labs where multiple operators may use pipets interchangeably.
Consistency in color coding supports:
- Operational efficiency: Reducing the time needed to identify and select proper glass or plastic pipets.
- Error prevention: Limiting the risk of misreading pipet volumes or using incorrect tools, which is critical in analytical procedures.
- Interlaboratory compatibility: Facilitating standardized practices across institutions and suppliers worldwide.
Related Standards
- ASTM E1273: Specification for Color Coding of Reusable Laboratory Pipets, which provides similar guidance for reusable pipets.
- ISO/IEC Laboratory Equipment Standards: Internationally recognized principles on standardization, referenced by ASTM standards.
- Other Laboratory Apparatus Standards: Developed and maintained by ASTM Committee E41 on Laboratory Apparatus, ensuring harmonization across laboratory equipment.
Keywords: laboratory pipets, color coding, ASTM E1380, graduated pipets, disposable pipets, laboratory standards, pipet identification, measurement accuracy, glass pipets, plastic pipets, laboratory equipment standardization.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E1380-90(2021) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Color Coding of Laboratory Pipets with Multiple Graduations, 0.1 mL and Larger, But Excluding Disposable Prothrombin and Disposable Micropipets". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification establishes a color-coding system for indicating capacity and identifying subdivisions in disposable glass and plastic laboratory pipets with multiple graduations, but excluding disposable prothrombin and disposable micropipets. This specification intends to ensure that when color coding is utilized, all manufacturers will be encouraged to use the same color for nominal value identification. Besides the colors to be used, requirements for durability, style, and location are also presented. SCOPE 1.1 This specification provides a system for color coding disposable pipets (glass and plastic) with multiple graduations. The color will indicate capacity and subdivisions for identification purposes. 1.2 The intent of this specification is to ensure that when color coding is utilized, all manufacturers will be encouraged to use the same color for nominal value identification. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification establishes a color-coding system for indicating capacity and identifying subdivisions in disposable glass and plastic laboratory pipets with multiple graduations, but excluding disposable prothrombin and disposable micropipets. This specification intends to ensure that when color coding is utilized, all manufacturers will be encouraged to use the same color for nominal value identification. Besides the colors to be used, requirements for durability, style, and location are also presented. SCOPE 1.1 This specification provides a system for color coding disposable pipets (glass and plastic) with multiple graduations. The color will indicate capacity and subdivisions for identification purposes. 1.2 The intent of this specification is to ensure that when color coding is utilized, all manufacturers will be encouraged to use the same color for nominal value identification. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM E1380-90(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 01.070 - Colour coding; 11.100.99 - Other standards related to laboratory medicine. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E1380-90(2021) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E1273-88(2019), ASTM E1273-88(2013), ASTM E1273-88(2008), ASTM E1273-88(2003), ASTM E1273-88(1997)e1. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E1380-90(2021) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:E1380 −90 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Color Coding of Laboratory Pipets with Multiple
Graduations, 0.1 mL and Larger, But Excluding Disposable
Prothrombin and Disposable Micropipets
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1380; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. General Requirements
3.1 Colors shall be as specified in Table 1.
1.1 This specification provides a system for color coding
disposable pipets (glass and plastic) with multiple graduations.
3.2 Durability—Disposable pipet coding shall be as durable
The color will indicate capacity and subdivisions for identifi-
as the graduations of the pipet. (Any institution or individual
cation purposes.
who reuses a disposable product must bear full responsibility
for its safety and effectiveness).
1.2 The intent of this specification is to ensure that when
color coding is utilized, all manufacturers will be encouraged
4. Style
to use the same color for nominal value identification.
4.1 Each pipet may be color coded by one or more of the
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
following methods:
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
4.1.1 A single or double color band. The single color band
standard.
shall be 6 to 10 mm wide and the double color bands shall be
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- 3 to 5 mm wide and separated by a clear space of 2 to 3 mm.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- Colorbandsneednotbecontinuous,butmaybebrokenaslong
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the as 40 % of the circumference of the pipet is covered.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 4.1.2 Colored plugging material.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 4.1.3 Permanent color constituent (ingredient) of the pipet
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
material(s).
4.1.4 Coloring of the standard identification marking(s) of
2. Referenced Documents the pipet.
4.2 A color blow out band or bands shall not be the only
2.1 ASTM Standards:
method used to signify size.
E1273 Specification for Color Coding of Reusable Labora-
tory Pipets
4.3 Location—Color coding shall be near the top end of the
pipet. In the instances where a separate band or bands are
utilized to indicate “blow-out” or “blow-out” style pipets, there
shall be a distinct separation with the blow out band or bands
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E41 on
Laboratory Apparatus and is the direct responsibil
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